From Problem to Paragraph

Upper-intermediate (B2) 45 minutes
EAP problem-solution essays activity preview for Upper-intermediate (B2) showing categorising, matching, planning and writing a paragraph, peer review and feedback

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Activity - Reading and Writing: Categorising, Matching, Planning and Writing a Paragraph, Peer Review and Feedback - Pair Work

This problem-solution paragraph writing activity helps students identify common problems, propose realistic solutions, and organise their ideas into a...

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Activity - Reading and Writing: Categorising, Matching, Planning and Writing a Paragraph, Peer Review and Feedback - Pair Work This problem-solution paragraph writing activity helps students identify common problems, propose realistic solutions, and organise their ideas into a clear, well-structured paragraph. First, in pairs, students sort cards into two columns, with problems on the left and solutions on the right. Students then match each problem card with an appropriate solution card and discuss one additional solution for each problem. Next, pairs choose one problem and answer questions from the board. Pairs then write a problem–solution paragraph, following the order of the questions. Afterwards, pairs swap paragraphs with another pair and complete a checklist, writing one positive feedback comment and one point to improve. Finally, pairs give feedback to each other using the comments.
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Problem-Solution Essays 1

Upper-intermediate (B2) 90 minutes
EAP problem-solution essays worksheet preview for Upper-intermediate (B2) showing gap-fill, categorising, outlining, and essay writing

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Worksheet - Writing Exercises: Gap-fill, Categorising, Identifying, Writing an Outline and Essay

In this free problem-solution essays worksheet, students are introduced to problem-solution essay structure and attempt a problem-solution essay writing practice. First, students read a...

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Worksheet - Writing Exercises: Gap-fill, Categorising, Identifying, Brainstorming, Listing, Creating an Essay Outline, Writing an Essay In this free problem-solution essays worksheet, students are introduced to problem-solution essay structure and attempt a problem-solution essay writing practice. First, students read a description of problem-solution essays and compare two structures for organising a problem-solution essay - block structure and chain structure. Students then complete sentences with phrases used for problem-solution essays. Next, students arrange the phrases into a table according to their function and add any additional phrases they may know to the table. After that, students read an example problem-solution essay and underline language that indicates a problem or a solution. Next, with a partner, students discuss three problems and think of some solutions. Students then choose one problem and create a block structure essay outline on the topic. Following that, students use the outline to write their own problem-solution essay. Finally, students swap their essay with another student and do a peer review.
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Problem-Solution Quest

Upper-intermediate (B2) 50 minutes
EAP problem-solution essays game preview for Upper-intermediate (B2) showing impromptu speech, critical thinking, creating an essay outline, presenting

EAP Problem-Solution Board Game - Speaking: Impromptu Speech, Critical Thinking, Creating an Outline, Presenting, Freer Practice - Group Work

This engaging problem-solution board game develops students' ability to analyse problems, develop solutions, and evaluate them across various topics...

EAP Problem-Solution Board Game - Speaking: Impromptu Speech, Critical Thinking, Creating an Essay Outline, Presenting, Freer and Communicative Practice - Group Work This engaging problem-solution board game develops students' ability to analyse problems, develop solutions, and evaluate them across various topics before creating a structured essay outline. Students take turns rolling the dice and moving their counters along the board. When a student lands on a topic square, they roll the dice again but do not move forward. If they roll an odd number, they describe the problem and explain why it's a concern. If they roll an even number, they propose a solution and explain how it would help. Students use the academic phrases in the centre of the board to structure their answers. If the group agrees that the student's response is appropriate, they stay on the square. If not, they move back two squares. If a student lands on an analysis card square, they take a card, read it aloud, move to the next topic square and discuss the topic according to the card's instructions. If the group agrees that the instructions on the card were followed successfully, the student stays on the square. If not, they move back two squares. The first student to reach the finish wins the game. Afterwards, students group the analysis cards by their headings and put the components in the order they would appear in a problem-solution essay. Next, each group chooses a different topic from the game board and then collaboratively completes an essay outline by selecting one card from each component category. Finally, each group presents their completed outline to the class and explains which analysis approaches they found most effective.
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Racism

Upper-intermediate (B2) 90 minutes
EAP problem-solution essays worksheet preview for Upper-intermediate (B2) showing outlining, gap-fill, discussion, and essay writing

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Outlining, Gap-fill, Writing an Essay - Speaking Activity: Discussion

In this problem-solution essay writing practice, students discuss a text about racism and then plan and write a problem-solution essay that addresses the...

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Outlining, Gap-fill, Writing an Essay - Speaking Activity: Discussion, Communicative Practice In this handy problem-solution essay writing practice, students read and discuss a text on the issue of racism and then plan and write a problem-solution essay that aims to address the problem. First, students read a text about racism and then match words from the text to their definitions. Next, students discuss the problems mentioned in the text that are linked to racism and come up with some potential solutions. Students then use information from the text and their ideas to prepare a problem-solution essay outline that addresses the issue. After that, students complete some advice about problem-solution essay writing with the words provided. Next, students use their outline to write a problem-solution essay that addresses the issue of racism. Finally, students swap papers with a partner and use a checklist to review and provide feedback on their partner's essay.
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SPSE Essays

Upper-intermediate (B2) 90 minutes
EAP SPSE essays worksheet preview for Upper-intermediate (B2) showing matching, discussion, outlining, and essay writing

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Worksheet - Writing: Matching, Writing an Essay - Speaking Activity: Discussion, Communicative Practice - Group Work

In this productive SPSE essays worksheet, students are introduced to SPSE essay structure and attempt an SPSE essay writing practice. First, students...

EAP Problem-Solution Essays Worksheet - Writing: Matching, Writing an Essay - Speaking Activity: Guided Discussion, Communicative Practice - Group Work In this productive SPSE essays worksheet, students are introduced to SPSE essay structure and attempt an SPSE essay writing practice. First, students read a short description of SPSE essays and an example essay on the topic of income inequality. In pairs, students then discuss two income inequality questions. Next, students match a list of objectives to the relevant sections of the SPSE essay structure. Students then move on to read six example sentences from an SPSE essay and match them to the relevant section of the SPSE structure. Following that, in groups, students choose one of the problems listed and discuss the current situation and related sub-problems. Students then discuss some possible solutions and evaluate each of the solutions by examining their respective pros and cons, making notes in the table provided. After that, students use the notes to create an SPSE essay outline. Students then read a short checklist to help them write their SPSE essay. Afterwards, students write a practice SPSE essay using their outline and checklist.
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Understanding Problem-Solution Essays

A problem-solution essay explains a problem, proposes responses and considers how effectively those responses could address it. The writer needs to connect each solution to the problem identified and explain its likely benefits, practical requirements and limitations.

This page contains five B2 resources, including paragraph practice, essay-writing worksheets and a board game that leads into outlining. One worksheet is available as a free download.

The table compares useful organisation choices. Follow the assignment requirements and choose a structure that makes the relationships between problems, responses and evaluation clear.

Structure or componentPurposePlanning question
Block structure Explain the problems together before presenting the solutions 'Will readers be able to connect each proposed response to the relevant problem?'
Chain structure Discuss a problem and its response before moving to the next pair 'Does each solution address the problem immediately preceding it?'
Situation Establish the context and scope 'Who is affected, and in what setting?'
Problem Explain what needs addressing and why it matters 'What specific difficulty requires a response?'
Solution Describe a proposed action and how it could help 'Who would do what, and how would that address the difficulty?'
Evaluation Consider benefits, limitations and feasibility 'What would make this proposal workable, and what might limit it?'

How to Develop Problems and Solutions in an Essay

Define a manageable problem: Help students narrow a broad issue to a specific difficulty in a stated context. This makes it easier to propose an action whose relevance and feasibility can be examined within the essay.

Explain the mechanism: After naming a solution, ask students to explain how it would affect the problem. A proposal needs more than a positive label; readers should understand the action, the people responsible and the intended effect.

Evaluate before recommending: Compare proposals using relevant criteria such as access, cost, practicality and likely impact. Distinguish supported findings from predictions, and acknowledge conditions that would need to be met rather than promising that a solution will work everywhere.

3-Step Framework for Teaching Problem-Solution Essays

Use this B2 sequence across suitable lessons to move from matching a response to a problem, through paragraph development, to a complete essay. The first two stages develop different parts of the same paragraph activity.

1. Match problems with relevant responses: Pairs sort problem and solution cards into columns, match them and discuss an additional solution for each problem. Ask them to explain the connection in each pair so they establish a reason for selecting a response before planning their writing.

2. Develop and review a paragraph: Pairs choose one problem, answer planning questions and write a paragraph following the question sequence. They exchange paragraphs and use a checklist to provide one positive comment and one improvement point. Use this feedback to check whether the paragraph explains the problem-response relationship established in the first stage.

3. Extend the process to an essay: Students read about racism, prepare vocabulary and discuss the problems described alongside potential responses. They combine information from the text with their ideas to create an outline, review writing advice and draft an essay. Partner checklist feedback then helps them examine the organisation and explanation of their proposals at essay level.

Common Mistakes with Problem-Solution Essays

Proposing an action without showing its relevance: A solution must address the difficulty described. In this hypothetical example, students cannot use an online course because they lack reliable internet access. Weak connection: 'The course should include more online videos.' Relevant proposal: 'Providing materials that can be downloaded when a connection is available could reduce dependence on continuous internet access.'

Presenting an intended result as guaranteed: Explain the conditions and limits of a proposal instead of treating a prediction as an established fact. Overstatement: 'A new reporting system will eliminate every incident.' Qualified evaluation: 'A reporting system could help identify incidents, but its value would depend on whether people can use it safely and whether reports lead to appropriate action.'

Common Questions About Teaching Problem-Solution Essays

What game helps students plan problem-solution essays?

The board game Problem-Solution Quest gets students explaining problems, proposing solutions and responding to analysis prompts. After playing, groups organise the analysis cards into essay components and use them to build an outline. Presenting that outline connects the spoken practice with decisions about how to organise a problem-solution essay.

What free worksheet helps teach problem-solution essay structure?

The worksheet Problem-Solution Essays 1 introduces block and chain structures, then gives students practice with language for describing problems and solutions. They examine a model essay, discuss possible solutions and create a block-structure outline. Writing an essay and exchanging peer feedback takes students from recognising the pattern to applying it.

What worksheet helps teach students to evaluate solutions?

The worksheet SPSE Essays introduces situation, problem, solution and evaluation through a model essay. Students identify the purpose of each section, discuss a problem and compare possible solutions by considering their advantages and disadvantages. They then turn their notes into an outline and essay, making evaluation part of the writing process.

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